Saudi Arabia maintains second place in UN ICT Development Index among G20 countries
In a standout achievement, Saudi Arabia has held onto its second-place ranking among G20 nations in the UN ICT Development Index. This position serves as a testament to the Kingdom’s robust digital infrastructure and its ongoing progress in the realm of information and communication technology services.
Ranking Methodology and Criteria
The International Telecommunication Union, an international organization, publishes this index to track the digital development of 170 countries. The ranking is based on various sub-indicators categorized into inclusive and effective communication axes, as well as the strength of digital infrastructure.
Kingdom’s Performance in the Index
Saudi Arabia has clinched the top spot among G20 nations in the effective communication axis and secured the second position in the inclusive communication axis. This achievement underscores the Kingdom’s continuous progress and its pivotal role in driving digital economy growth, attracting investments, and enhancing its overall digital infrastructure.
Market Growth and Technological Advancements
The communication and technology market in Saudi Arabia is the largest and fastest-growing in the Middle East and North Africa region, with a market value estimated at SR166 billion ($44.2 billion). The country boasts a mobile subscription rate exceeding 198 percent of the population and an average monthly data consumption per citizen that is three times higher than the global average.
Government Investment in ICT
A report from Saudi Arabia’s Digital Government Authority highlighted a 20 percent year-on-year increase in government spending on information and communications technology, reaching SR41.87 billion. This investment has significantly improved digital government services, benefiting citizens and residents, and has positively impacted the digital economy, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s transformation journey.
Impact on Quality of Life
Faisal bin Ahmed Bakhshwin, deputy minister for digital transformation at the Ministry of Human Resource and Social Development, emphasized the importance of ICT spending in providing innovative solutions for the people of Saudi Arabia. This investment aims to enhance the quality of life for all residents and citizens by leveraging the country’s vast human capital effectively.